Small Business Owner - Read This Or Fail!

Small business owners may face many financial challenges during these tough economic times. With your business going down, you're probably looking for a way to improve your sales. There are a lot of different ways to do it, but there is something in common with all good business owners in the world: they want the easiest and cheapest way to grow their business.

It doesn't matter how good you are, you always need a business plan to follow. A great idea would be just to Google it, you know, Google usually have all the answers. After that, you must determine how you are going to get the funds to expand, considering the credit crunch of the past several years, you must have the best credit to get a bank loan.

There is actually a way that many people do not think about - government agencies that deal government grants to help most everyone, from small businesses to home owners. Again, just Google it. Most of the times these grants, as opposed to loans, will never have to be paid back.

Considering that we are in the information age, the best place to start looking is on the Internet. There are more than enough websites out there that will administer outstanding advice as to what agency to check no matter what type of grant you want to get. Believe it or not , there are books that were specifically written just for government grants.

As you find the information where to start from, go to the agency's website and see the requirements they have in order to post an application for a government grant, check out if you do meet the requirements and then just sit down, breathe deeply, relax. Take note what it will take to do what you want to do. Make a list, then calculate costs and unexpected costs, get estimates, and after you finish all this, you my friend, are ready to apply for your government grant.

Oh yes, one more thing: if you are operating a small business then there are agencies out there just for small businesses like yours. Make your business plan a forward extension of your business. All agencies such as the small business administration have a world of information and tools to help you master this. If you are a small business then it is vital for you to start there.

The Unspoken Truth About Government Grants

Free government grants are money that is given to an individual a group or a business entity - new or existing - to accomplish an end result, usually some sort of community development. A grant of this particular type, can also be handed out as a part of a relief effort as well.

It never stops to amaze me, how much money the government hands out each year this way, and how most people are unaware of this huge amount of money. In fact, according to statistics, it's somewhere around $25 Billion, yes, BILLION! With this in mind, it's pretty clear why competition for free government money is so fierce

All free government money handouts in the form of a pure grant, involves a lot of research and even more paper work - through out the application process. NO EXCEPTION. It's also very important to realize that the person or entity attempting to qualify themselves to receive this kind of money must have the knowledge of this subject and the ability to see the big picture as well as it's small details.


Get this: In ALL cases there are going to be many parameters that must be taken as guidelines. It simply means that our government doesn't have an urge to simply and blindly hand it's money out. Like all people and organizations, they will want to see certain things done in the return for their money, i.e, the grant.

Let's get this straight : Your organization or business will have to undergo some types of adjustments or changes in order to become compliant to receive any kind of grant money. Keep in mind that the government is not going to allow us to spend the money in any other way we like!

In fact, be aware that you will sign an agreement with regards to just what the money from free government grants will be used for. If you deviate from that agreement, it's possible that the
government would seek the return of the grant money.

Government Grant Applications Are A Lot Simpler Than You Might Think!

We hear a lot of information in our daily life about government grants, and some of it might be "slightly" misleading. For example, we might hear that the government "likes" to hand out free grant money. It's true that the government has awarded billions of dollars to banks, to industries and to airlines but it's not because they enjoy giving away their precious money! Incidents such as these occur when the government "feels" it's the necessary thing to do.

Our government never awards grants to individuals just because they "like" it, do you know somebody that loves giving away his money for no good reason? I know I don't! (charity btw, is one heck of a good reason in my opinion!) For a matter of fact, the government has a mandate to award free grant money to qualified applicants. In order to get it, you want to do the simplest of the simple: submit that darn application!

Do Not Think That You Are Not Qualified For A U.S.A. Government Grant

Nobody, including the government, can possibly know your needs without you telling them! And nobody can tell them what you need better than you yourself! "How do I tell them", you might ask? With a simple application for a government grant, of course! Just think of the application as your communication tool with the government. It's your story, minus any hyperbole.

What Information Should I Fill In My Application?

For the thousands of different grants that you can apply for, each has their own set of requirements, and there are honest and decent resources available to help you with your preparation. The most important thing to know is that you want to be a through as you can possibly be.

Is It Possible To Apply For A Government Grant Online?

Nothing to do here except being really straightforward: YES YOU CAN! (in a Barack Obama Voice). Make sure to submit it ahead of the deadline and be as thorough as possible in order to speed up the application process.

Tell Me Where Can I Find An Outstanding Resource Regarding The Grant Requirements!

Small Business Grants - Do You Qualify?

When most people hear the words "government grants" they immediately think about starting a new business. And when they think of starting a new business, the first and only source of funding they think is available for them is from the federal Government. For an unknown reason, many people tend to see the federal grant programs as the most lucrative ones. Maybe because of all those TV infomercials late at night?

You might be surprised to discover, grants are given out by all three of the governing entities on a regular basis: the federal, state and local governments. It might be surprising how lucrative a grant you can get the area you live in, or perhaps your own town, even if it's strapped for cash.

If fact, a distressed city is more likely to hand out lucrative land grants to the good hands of an entrepreneur because they see this as an oustanding chance to give a boost to their economy. You see, your business can create jobs for many hard working and loyal residents, AND generate tax revenue for the city simultaneously! An absolute Win-Win situation!

There is nothing that can stop you from getting assistance from all three levels of government. Federal, state and local. The truly great thing about getting grants from a city is that if the grant doesn't already exist, you can petition the city to create one. YES! You heard me right! You can petition them through the city council for many things, like changing zoning variances for you. But keep this in mind: if you plan to go this route, you've got to make sure that your plan is REALLY GOOD, that it benefits the city, and that it benefits it well!

For those of you who don't have a business plan right now get this: is it possible for you to truly believe that both federal and state govenments have lists - yes, lists - of business types drawn up that they are ready waiting and willing to hand out government grants to start a business for? In many cases they are even going to provide you with the training, coaching and guidance you need to run a business, if, of course, you choose to start it now!

Free Government Grants - Fact, Fiction & Fraud

GOVERNMENT GRANT SCAM ALERT

You might find it hard to believe that as we speak, people are trying to take advantage of your lack of knowledge about free government grants to rip you off your hard earned money. It often starts with an "innocent" phone call to inform you that you have just been chosen to receive a free government grant, even though you never applied!

Unfortunately way too many people around the country fall for this fraud, which in most cases is performed by highly trained professionals, and THEY CAN come across as very, very convincing.

This one might shock you if you have fallen for that scam: there is no such thing as a Personal Assistance Grant Bureau of the US Federal Government! That's right! Many people fall for this one.

What they do next, is get their filthy paws all over your beloved money, and they have many, many ways to do so. Usually, the person who calls you, will identify him or herself as a respectful and loyal employee of the federal government, they will then ask for your bank account number, so they can easily "deposit the money".

Needless to say, they will do the exact opposite. Oh Yes! They are going to take your money! These sad, sad facts are almost funny considering how these clever scammers and fraudsters have gotten some of their victims to wire them cash.

Keep in mind though, that a person has to be in a very fragile state, desperate or perhaps gullible to go that far, and many people have done it!

Most of the time they cover it up by telling you that the expenses are for paying some fee. They either charge you a registration fee to their system, a S&H fee for a set of documents, a fee to write an application for the grant on your behalf, a wire transfer fee, or even a donation to children in needy countries. They have even gotten people to pay them taxes owned on the supposedly free government grants, even though they never filed an application for one!

The truth is, that because of the lagging economy and the new awareness that government grants and financial aid is available, the competition for each grant is hard. If we look at the statistics and face the real facts, for each grant available, there will most usually be several applications just waiting and pushing to try for it.

To find an alphabetical listing of federal personal assistance visit USA.gov website’s Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid page.

Personal financial assistance available from the government includes:

• Social Security/Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or State Social Services
• Student Loans
• Small Business Start-up Loans

Grant Kits - A Guide to Writing Grants

USING GRANT KITS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

If you've never written a grant proposal before, the job at hand can seem intimidating. Successful grant writers can tell you how hard it is to write a good document. Applying for a grant has many benefits, aside for the fact that the grant does not have to be repaid. But missing a grant opportunity can mean losing money that is important to you and having to give up on essential plans and dreams.

Grant kits and workshops make writing grants easier, so your chance of getting your grant significantly improves. If you are new to grant writing, or have applied for a grant in the past but have been rejected, grant kits are for you.

With grant kits you will learn about the key elements of a writing a winning grant proposal and gain invaluable insights from both experienced grant writers, and also from the foundations that approve the grants. Good grant resources will also keep you up to date on current and new grant opportunities, whether public, private or international, so you can get the money you need.

If you want to or need to apply for a grant, and cannot afford to hire a professional to write a good grant proposal for you, help yourself by getting all the advice you can from grant kits, books or workshops. When you are done, you can even sell the book to someone else or give it as a gift!

Government Grants For Minorities

GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR MINORITIES

Whether you need money to pay for housing, healthcare, education or to fund your small business, if you belong to a minority group, you are eligible for many government grants and benefits. Minority grants are especially available to:

• African Americans
• Hispanic Americans
• Asian Americans
• Native Americans

Many grants and loans are available to low income families. Minority groups make up a large percentage of low income families, so they are in position to receive extra grant money. Other grants are available under equal opportunity initiatives. Most American minorities are in a position to benefit from minority grants. Often, government grants to minorities are used to support community development, outreach and related education efforts.

Many grants are available to women, from public, non profits and private organizations, especially to women from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds, so if you're a minority woman, you'll be especially lucky when it comes to applying for and receiving government grant money.

Home Energy Grants

Are you paying too much of your income on utility bills? When money is tight, you want to do everything you can to reduce wasteful energy consumption, lower your bills and increase your spending power on what's important to you and your family.

With over 5 billion in funding throughout the last 3 decades, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills and water consumption by making their homes more energy efficient. Government grants have assisted more than 6.4 million low-income families lower their energy bills, reduce water and sewage fees and increase property values.

Increased Spending Power

Energy expenses comprise an economic drain on low-income communities. Energy bills, bill  by collection and service shut-offs can cost you up to 20% of your income. With weatherization, you can slash hundreds of dollars off your energy and utility bills. These savings add up, and are significant for many low-income families. And because weatherization addresses the safety of major appliances, the utility has fewer emergency calls.

Affordable Housing

Because weatherization upgrades the energy systems in homes and apartment buildings in low-income communities, it increases the value of housing in these communities. By reducing long-term energy costs, weatherization also makes these housing units more affordable and more attractive in the market. In this way, weatherization helps address the nationwide shortage of affordable housing.

Home Energy Grant Programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 have already helped thousands of Americans, upgrade energy systems in their homes. A quick search online for "home energy grants" will bring up a lot of useful information. Talk with your local state official to find out more about qualifying for government grants and financing to make your home energy efficient.

Grants For Home Repairs

If you are an American citizen living in a rural area, you might have trouble financing repairs for your home. Incomes are lower than in urban areas, and many people are self employed, making it harder to obtain credit. For these reasons the government has set aside money for home repair grants and loans.

For very low income families who own homes in need of repair, the Home Repair Loan and Grant Program offers loans and grants for renovation. The Home Repair Program also provides funds to make a home accessible to someone with disabilities. If you need money to repair, improve, or modernize your dwellings, to remove health and safety hazards, or to make your home wheelchair friendly, you may be eligible for a government grant or low interest loan through the USDA Rural Development Home Repair Loan and Grant Program (Section 504)

These government grants and loans are given to make repairs and improvements to make the dwelling more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards. The most common types of repairs financed by the Section 504 program include fixing or replacing roofs, installing insulation and storm windows, modernizing heating and wiring systems, installing waste disposal systems, and making houses accessible to people with disabilities such as a ramp for wheelchairs.

If you live in a rural area, and need money to improve your living conditions, free government money is available for you. The maximum amount you can borrow under the Section 504 Home Repair Loan program is $20,000 at 1 percent interest rates. $7,500 grants are available for seniors 62 and older who can't afford a loan.

Home Repair Loan and Grant Programs have already helped thousands of Americans, repair, improve, or modernize theirs homes. A quick search online for "home repair grants" will bring up a lot of useful information. Talk with your area USDA representative to find out more about qualifying for federal help.

Section 8 Rental Assistance

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) utilizes the existing private rental market in your state to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing opportunities for low-income families, elderly, handicapped and disabled persons at an affordable cost.

Under Section 8 policy, rental help is available in your state - you can find affordable rentals and special needs housing, get help with your utility bills, and more, all with the help of federal funds available thru the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

You can use these funds to rent a house of your choice including your current place of residence, single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. You are not limited to public housing projects. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the Public Housing Authority (PHA), a family may use its voucher to purchase a home.

If you are looking for financial aid to help pay for rent for you or your family, the best place to search for a Section 8 rental assitance is online. A simple search for "Section 8 housing" should pull up a number of websites that can tell you how to apply for a housing grant. The housing authority in your region can provide a list of properties in which the landlord has agreed to accept Section 8 housing vouchers.

Over 4 million households and individuals are currently receiving rental assistance with Section 8 grants. With job insecurity and unemployment, all of us could use assistance in financing rent. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your home through Section 8 housing grants.

Housing Grants For Minorities

If you are an American citizen from a minority group, chances are you are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to own your home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is dedicated to providing funds and grants to assist homeownership for minority families.

Housing incentives are an important part of the economic growth plan of every state in the nation. Besides money grants, incentives include subsidized rates on loans, government backed mortgages, assisted housing plans and rental subsidizes .

With the current economic crisis, and many people cannot afford downpayments and closing costs on a house, which are paid in cash. It has become increasingly harder to secure a mortgage or a loan from commercial banks.

Since a common barrier to owning a home for many low-income people is the lack of funds to make a down payment, HUD’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides low- and moderate-income citizens from minority groups with funds needed to purchase their first home. In this respect, HUD Grants have already helped thousands of Americans, nearly half of whom were minority families, make the dream of owning a home - a reality.


If you are looking for financial aid to fund your first home, or for fixing up your current one, the best place to search for a housing grant is online. A simple search for "housing grants for minorities" should pull up a number of websites that can tell you how to apply for a housing grant. If you find the information you are getting is confusing, not what you expected, or you don't know where to start, don't worry. There are grant kits available that have already done the hard work for you.

Grant kits make applying for housing grants a simple process. With new home mortgages being limited, all of us could use assistance in financing a new home. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your home through housing grants.

HUD Grants

The US Government offers direct and guaranteed loans to buy, build, or improve your permanent residence, or as rental subsidizes, to improve your living standards. HUD grants, provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provide funds for special projects, neighborhood initiative projects, assisted housing and green retrofits for energy efficiency.

40 million dollars of grant funds were allocated to young people with disabilities to get affordable housing. Millions more were allocated to support affordable housing to the elderly. HUD grants are also available as rental assitance, to help people with disabilities find a safe, secure and sanitary home without having to pay full rent.

HUD grants are also committed to help citizens living on public housing join the work force. Through various workshops, job trainings and college preparatory classes, the families and seniors in public housing are assisted to become self-sufficient.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is dedicated to providing funds and grants to assist homeownership for low income families, the elderly, the homeless, people with disabilities, and people with AIDS.

HUD has expanded homeownership, increased access to affordable housing, strengthened communities through economic development, fought housing discrimination, and tackled chronic homelessness. HUD has implemented innovative solutions to address our nation’s housing needs and has achieved great results.

Despite its many accomplishments, HUD recognizes that challenges remain to be addressed. Despite achieving the highest homeownership rate in American history, minorities are still less likely than non-Hispanic whites to own their homes. Opening doors to homeownership is a core aspect of HUD’s mission. The most significant barriers to homeownership are downpayment and closing costs. To overcome this barrier, HUD’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides low- and moderate-income individuals with funds needed to purchase their first home. In this respect, HUD Grants have already helped thousands of Americans, nearly half of whom were minority families.

While increasing homeownership is a top priority, HUD knows it is not a viable option for everyone. Therefore, providing decent affordable rental housing is a central part of HUD’s mission. HUD’s largest program, the Housing Choice Voucher program, promotes affordable rental housing for families and individuals. The program currently provides rental assistance to more than four million households through public and assisted housing programs.

The mission of HUD also includes strengthening communities. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is HUD’s most important community development program and it is one of the most flexible programs provided to localities by the federal government. A significant portion of CDBG funds supports improving conditions in lower income and distressed communities.

Buying a house is probably the most expensive purchase you will make in your lifetime. For more and more families, saving the money for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Grant kits make applying for housing grants a simple process. With new home mortgages being limited, all of us could use assistance in financing a new home. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your home through housing grants.

Housing Grants

ABOUT HOUSING GRANTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

If you dream of buying your first home, or repairing your own home, housing grants are exactly what can make those dreams come true, even in this current financial crisis. If you, like many Americans, find that owning a home continues to remain out of reach, then housing grants are for you. That's why billions are available for renters, home mortgage and housing assistance.

Even though these grants and loans from both federal sources and private institutions have been around for a while, many Americans have only recently become aware of these funding options.

Government housing grants can be either direct money in your pocket, or indirect financial aid such as mortgage guarantees and subsidized loans. This gives people with little to no starting capital access to secure mortgages.

Every US Citizen is entitled to apply for federal housing grants, but some grants are designed for people with certain criteria such as single-mother households, minority groups, people benefiting from student grants or low income families. If you belong to one of those groups, there is extra grant money available for you.

If you are looking for financial aid to fund your first house, or to fix up your current one, the best place to search for a housing grant is online. A simple search for "housing grants" should pull up a number of websites that can tell you how to apply for a housing grant. If you find the information you are getting is confusing, not what you expected, or you don't know where to start, don't worry. There are grant kits available that have already done the hard work for you.

Buying a house is probably the most expensive purchase you will make in your lifetime. For more and more families, saving the money for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Grant kits make applying for housing grants a simple process. With new home mortgages being limited, all of us could use assistance in financing a new home. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your home through housing grants.

Grant Writing - Start Your Own Grant Writing Business

Grant Yourself Success


If you've ever applied for a grant, you know that winning a grant is very competitive. You not only have to research the topic thoroughly, you have to convince the board members to approve the grant, and you are up against many other competing applications. Most grant seeking businesses will hire a professional grant writer to write their applications, so they have the best chance at winning a grant.

Grant writing has become a billion dollar industry, and you can now be part of it, as a freelancer or even by starting your own grant writing business.

Grant writing kits will show you how to research, prepare and submit winning grants with step by step instructions and samples of winning grants, interviews with fund directors detailing what they want to see in a grant, lists of different grant sources, tips, warnings and the ins and outs of running a small business or home based business, including marketing online and offline, maintaining clientele, filing for taxes and much more.

Grant writing guides are a must-have resource for new or experienced grant writers looking to expand their talents, as for individuals and organizations looking for grants. It is worth it and will open countless doors for you and help you take your destiny in your own hands!

Small Business Grants

GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Are you looking for a small business grant to get you thru the current economic crisis? Financial aid in the form of grants and loans are closer than you think. In fact, the small business grant you need to start or expand your business may be available right in your own home state.

Small business financing incentives are an important part of the economic growth plan of every state in the nation. Besides money grants, incentives include subsidized rates on loans, tax breaks and participation in business "incubator" programs.

While there are still no direct small business grants available from the federal government, the government does offer plenty of free help in planning how to start or improve your business and in securing low-interest SBA-backed small business loans. In addition, many states DO offer small business grants and other types of financial assistance designed to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in starting or expand a small business.

NEW BUSINESS GRANTS FOR GROWING OR STARTING A BUSINESS

If you're starting a business, grants can help. Small business owners should be aware of the free business grants available to them through state and local programs, non-profit organizations and other groups. Whether seeking start-up money for a small business, or seeking extra money for business expansion, or even just a government-backed loan, these grants can see you through in tough economic times.

NEED BUSINESS START-UP MONEY?

Starting a business is more expensive than most first-time entrepreneurs realize. Growing a new business from scratch always requires significant effort and capital, and all of us could use financial assistance. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your business costs through small business grants.

College Grants - How To Apply For College Grants

Are you thinking of going to college or resuming your studies? Many people don't dare pursue this dream because of the costs associated with college: tutition, living expenses and loss of income because they can't work full time anymore. Finding the right government grant, college grant or student grant can put your worries aside and let you focus on your dream of higher education.

Have lost your job due to the economy? Do you want to go to school to improve your job prospects, but can't afford to attend college? You might not realize that there is assistance for you. Even if you are not fortunate enough to qualify for an academic scholarship, there are plenty of college grants available to you. It is amazing how many students do not attempt to apply for college grants, with all the funding available to them.

Many students don't know these education grants exist and miss out on free money that the government and private institutions have set aside to help fund their schooling. There is so much free grant money that can easily replace and surpass a scholarship.

If you are looking for financial aid to fund your higher education, the best place to search for a college grant is online. A simple search for "college grants" should pull up a number of websites that can tell you how to apply for a college grant. If you find the information you are getting is confusing, not what you expected, or you don't know where to start, don't worry. There are grant kits available that have already done the hard work for you.

Grant kits offer a huge database of various types of available grants from the government and private agencies that direct you where to locate college grants and how to apply for them. They tell you the criteria you need to qualify for them, when and where to apply for them, grant application deadlines and much more.

Grant kits make applying for college grants a real simple process. We all know college is very expensive and all of us could use financial assistance. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your tuition through college grants.

These can pay for housing, books, tuition and many expenses related to college. You'll also learn about scholarships made possible through various private groups and donors who respect what you're undertaking and recognize the challenges involved.

College Grants are readily available in the following locations:
Alabama, Kentucky, North, Minnesota, South Carolina, DC, Mississippi, Dakota, Alaska, Louisiana, Ohio, Arizona, Maine, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Maryland, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, Rhode Island, Connecticut South Dakota, Delaware, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida, Montana, Texas, Georgia, Nebraska, Utah, Hawaii, Nevada, Vermont, Idaho, New Hampshire, Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, Indiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Iowa, New York, Wisconsin, Kansas, North Carolina, Wyoming, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Columbus, Memphis, and Baltimore.

Government Grant Q&A From Yahoo Answers

Health and Medical Care Grants

Did you know that health care grants, along with education grants, represent the largest percentage of grant giving in the United States? Over 3 billion dollars are awarded each year both from federal funding, state funding and private sponsorship.

Significant financial health assistance is available to US citizens beyond the limits of Medicaid and Medicare. Healthcare financing and medical bill payment funds are available to many unknowing Americans. If you have health care needs that are not met by your current provider, you should be looking for extra assistance that is available towards your particular needs.

There are many grants available in the health care field. Whether you are looking for child care grants, or health insurance for the elderly, if you have a major illness or maybe you need to fix your teeth, and your income doesn't allow it, you should be looking for a health care grant.

Health care grants are also available to you if you are taking a leave of absence to care for a family member that has an illness or a serious medical condition, or a child with special needs. Do not suffer under your burden alone. You can find a grant that will cover both the expenses of caring for your loved one, and to compensate you for the time you need to spend with them and can't work.

Grant kits make applying for health care grants a real simple process. We all know health care is very expensive and all of us could use financial assistance. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your medical needs through health care grants.